Key locks up Hornets in latest win

The Saddleback baseball team picked up a big win on Saturday, shutting down Fullerton College 1-0 on the road.  Domnique Key was dominant on the hill as Saddleback won a tight Orange Empire Conference battle.

Saddleback had gotten off to a tough start in conference play after a stellar pre-conference schedule and many wanted to see how the Gauchos would respond after the pitching had been beaten around in recent weeks.  Key responded, pitching six scoreless innings before giving way to Trevor Charpie for the final three innings. 

Saddleback scored the lone run in the top of the sixth inning on an unearned run as both pitching staffs were brilliant.  The inning started with two outs when Jack Kaloogian doubled to right field in what was the first hit of the game for the Gauchos.  The next batter Casey Worden reached on a fielding error by Hornet third baseman Trent Hammond, putting runners at first and third with two outs.  Saddleback capitalized when Dylan Diaz singled through the right side of the infield, driving in Kaloogian for the only run of the game.

Key was up to the task as no Fullerton runner advanced past second base in his six innings of work.  He struck out six while giving up five hits and two walks but received a double-play from the defense to end the second inning and a caught stealing to end the fourth in improving his record to 3-1 on the season. 

Charpie was equally effective out of the pen, giving up two hits while striking out one in three innings of work to pick up his second save of the year.  The defense again turned a double play to end the seventh inning and another Hornet was caught stealing to end the eighth as no Fullerton player crossed second base all afternoon.

Saddleback improved to 12-5 overall and 2-3 in Orange Empire Conference play with the win.  The Gauchos are one game out of first place as four teams are 3-2 and four are 2-3.

Saddleback will play again on Tuesday when they host inter-district rival Irvine Valley College.  The first pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM.